Priscilla is feeling neglected because her inventor husband, Robert, doesn't seem to have time for her or to be interested in sex anymore. In order to satisfy her, Robert creates Chester 5000, a fully functioning sex robot! Priscilla is hesitant at first but, upon getting to know Chester, finds that he's sweet, caring, and everything she could ever want in a man. But what will happen when Robert finds out she's in love with his new creation?

This was like this interesting cross between steampunk, silent film, and porn—steampunk because it was about a woman and her sex robot, silent film because there were no words, and porn because it was EXPLICIT. Super explicit. I cannot understate how so very explicit it was. I’m not sure how to write this review though because, while the comic wasn’t quite for me, I don’t want to stop anyone else who’s interested from reading it. Despite all the explicitness, there was a kind of a cute little romance story in there, but I say “kind of” because there are different ways to view the story, and, well…

My favorite character was Robert, the husband who was somewhat villainized because he was supposedly too busy with work (to be fair, he wasn’t actually made out to be the villain in the end). But the way I saw it, Priscilla seemed to have an insatiable appetite for sex, which, for the record, is not the same as love, and I could understand why Robert built her a robot—he never would’ve gotten anything done otherwise! And just because he didn’t want sex as often, that didn’t make him a bad person. Also, even though some of Robert’s actions weren’t so great, he was the one who created Chester, and the whole reason he created him was to try and make his wife happy because he cared about her. And, I mean, his wife fell in love with someone else, so I could understand why he got upset. So what I’m saying is, maybe Robert was a good man who just didn’t know how to be the husband he wanted to be (he did seem kind of unhappy). Or maybe he was a good man who was just in a marriage with the wrong person.

Or maybe I’m reading entirely too much into a silly, absurd, erotic comic about a love interest who had mechanical genitals and a special nose piece that worked as a tongue since he had no mouth. (Update: I was totally NOT reading too much into it! The second book added so much depth and backstory about Robert and their marriage.) The whole thing was silly, but it was meant to be. The absurdity of some of the robot’s sexual abilities made me laugh, everyone got a happy ending at the end, and it was fun for a bit of fluffy distraction (especially since you can read it for free on the author’s site). And the little April Fool’s Day mini comic she created after—a genderswapped version named Chesty 5000 (NSFW)—was absolutely hilarious!

Update: I have now read Vol. 2 and abso-freaking-lutely LOVED it! So if this sounds even remotely good to you, don’t let my 2.5 star rating dissuade you because the story gets so much better!

*Note: This review is based on the webcomic. Other formats may have differences I am not aware of.*

Recommended For:

Anyone who wants a story that's a little silly, a lot erotic, but ultimately emotional, fun, and sweet. Anyone who wants to try something that is like a comic, steampunk, silent film, and porn all rolled into one.

THE YEAR: 1885, a time of industrial revolution and sexual frustration. THE HEROINE: Pricilla, a beautiful woman who knows what she wants… and wants it ALL the time. THE HUSBAND: Robert, a scientist and inventor — unfortunately, the only thing he can keep on his mind is his work. Ah, but what does a scientist love more than a problem to solve? Some gears, some springs, the proper appendages, a little extra lubricant, and a little extra love and voila! Chester 5000 is born. Chester is the perfect tool to soothe Priscilla’s desires… but what if Chester is more than just a machine? What are the consequences of attempting to engineer love? A sepia-toned delight for adult readers of all stripes, Jess Fink’s Top Shelf debut reads like a whimsical love-child of steampunk, silent film and erotic comics.

The steampunk part sounds kinda fun but the silent film part- eh not to sure. No dialogue? This though- “never would’ve gotten anything done” cracked me up. Poor Robert does sounds kinda sympathetic- I mean a workaholic, builds her a sex robot, and she falls in love with it lol. Guy can’t catch a break. :) Although Priscilla has needs, clearly. :)

Sounds like a fun take on the whole can-you-fall-in-love with a robot thing.

Idk, the silent thing was actually kind of cool. And it makes for a really easy read lol. But also, I think in most graphic novels I tend to focus mostly on the words and don’t always pay attention to all the details in the pictures. Whereas with this, I’m forced to pay attention to the details in the pictures. But I’m telling you, poor Robert, he was making all the money, his wife was insatiable so he built her a robot, and then she fell in love it!

That does sound like an interesting mesh of genres and neat it had a sweet romance even with the explicit scenes. I am kinda curious how the no dialogue thing works as obviously it still tells a story. And that’s nice you read so much depth into Robert and how that plays a bigger role in book 2. It seems book 2 gets a whole lot better, I am looking forward to your review of that one. It does sound like a good read if you’re in the mood for this type of read.

The tagline “erotic, robotic, Victorian romance” has me totally intrigued, especially since this is a comic; that said, I’m a bit apprehensive about just how explicit this sounds? From what you’ve said, I think this might be a *little* too OTT for me. The lack of dialogue really intrigues me, though!

It’s got to be the strangest genre mashup I’ve ever seen lol. I can see how it might not be for everyone, I can see how it might not be for everyone, but I kind of like the no dialogue thing because it puts more focus on the pictures!

I love how you’ve updated with a note that it gets better in the second volume. That often happens as the first volume is all about setting the scene and introducing characters, the story doesn’t get quite as much chance to develop as it might. This sounds like the weirdest comic and I am kind of intrigued but I’m pretty sure I’m going to give this one a miss. It does sound interesting, though, you’ve definitely got me intrigued.

Whenever a sequel gets significantly better, I always feel like I have to mention that in my review of the first book because I don’t want people to be scared off of reading it! You should check out my review of Book 2 next week, it might change your mind ;-)

This sounds like quite an interesting combination when it comes to genres and what it included? However, in the end I don’t think this is one which would work for me. Mostly because I am someone who needs words in my graphic novel, and this one not having any would bother me too much :/

Actually, I ended up thinking the no words thing was pretty cool. It forced me to pay more attention to the pictures instead of relying on the dialogue. But I can see how this just might not be for everyone.

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About Me

Hi! I’m Kristen, a twenty-something who loves reading, writing, and rambling. (I also love pomegranates, The Sims, nighttime, circus, and the color red, but that kinda kills the alliteration.)

If you want to know more about me and my blog, here’s my about page. Otherwise, stick around for SFF book/game reviews & recommendations, bookish discussions, author interviews, and more. I look forward to getting to know my fellow readers, gamers, and sci-fi/fantasy/paranormal lovers!